VIDEO 41: TOO YOUNG FOR TRT

Jan 13, 2025

TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) Consideration

Key Points from Scott Herman's Lecture

  • Age Consideration:

    • Scott Herman advises against starting TRT before the age of 35-40.
    • Questions arise on why someone might start TRT at 29.

  • Expert Opinion by Gil T.:

    • No specific age to begin TRT; it's about treating a deficiency.
    • Cites a 19-year-old case, emphasizing this is rare and not a general recommendation.

TRT for Younger Individuals

Considerations

  • Life-long Commitment:

    • Starting TRT young implies a lifetime dependency on the therapy.
    • Suppresses natural testosterone production.

  • Developmental Concerns:

    • Impact on growth hormone levels and IGF-1 levels.
    • Growth plates should be fully matured, typically in the early to mid-20s.

  • Fertility Concerns:

    • TRT can affect fertility and development in younger males.

Diagnostic Approach

  • Primary vs. Secondary Causes:

    • Identify if low T is due to testicular issues (primary) or brain-related issues (secondary/tertiary).

  • Lifestyle Factors:

    • Check for drug use, alcohol consumption, poor sleep, stress, obesity, and lack of physical activity.
    • Address lifestyle changes before considering TRT.

Alternative Approaches

  • Kickstart Protocol:

    • Consider HPTA restart to boost natural testosterone production.
    • Use of serums and gonadotropin secretagogues.
    • HCG (analog for LH) and Tamoxifen are preferred.
    • Clomid is not favored.

  • Outcome:

    • Aim for 5-15 additional years of natural testosterone production.
    • Reevaluation and lab work to confirm success.

Age-Related Treatment Strategy

  • Younger Individuals:

    • More cautious approach.
    • Discuss non-therapeutic options and lifestyle changes.

  • Older Individuals (40s-50s):

    • More likely to start TRT after confirmation of hypogonadism.

Conclusion

  • Age does influence the treatment approach but is not a sole determinant for TRT candidacy.
  • Importance of thorough assessment and consideration of non-therapeutic options before resorting to long-term TRT.

Additional Resources

  • Links to videos on Clomid and HPTA restart protocols for further learning.

Next Steps: Explore more on TRT and hormone optimization by following related educational resources.